Chapter 23: Problem 6
\(\bullet\) Most people perceive light having a wavelength between 630 \(\mathrm{nm}\) and 700 \(\mathrm{nm}\) as red and light with a wavelength between 400 \(\mathrm{nm}\) and 440 \(\mathrm{nm}\) as violet. Calculate the approximate frequency ranges for (a) violet light and (b) red light.
Short Answer
Expert verified
Violet light: 6.82 to 7.5 THz; Red light: 4.29 to 4.76 THz.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Relationship
To find the frequency of light, we use the equation relating the speed of light \( c \), wavelength \( \lambda \), and frequency \( f \): \( c = \lambda f \). The speed of light \( c \) is approximately \( 3 \times 10^8 \ \text{m/s} \).
02
Convert Wavelength from nm to m
Since the speed equation requires meters, convert the given wavelengths from nanometers to meters: \( 1 \ \text{nm} = 1 \times 10^{-9} \ \text{m} \). For violet: 400 nm becomes \( 400 \times 10^{-9} \ \text{m} \) and 440 nm becomes \( 440 \times 10^{-9} \ \text{m} \). For red: 630 nm becomes \( 630 \times 10^{-9} \ \text{m} \) and 700 nm becomes \( 700 \times 10^{-9} \ \text{m} \).
03
Calculate Frequency for Violet Light
Using the speed of light equation \( c = \lambda f \), solve for frequency \( f = \frac{c}{\lambda} \). For 400 nm: \( f = \frac{3 \times 10^8 \ \text{m/s}}{400 \times 10^{-9} \ \text{m}} = 7.5 \times 10^{14} \ \text{Hz} \). For 440 nm: \( f = \frac{3 \times 10^8 \ \text{m/s}}{440 \times 10^{-9} \ \text{m}} = 6.82 \times 10^{14} \ \text{Hz} \). The frequency range for violet light is approximately 6.82 to 7.5 THz.
04
Calculate Frequency for Red Light
Using \( f = \frac{c}{\lambda} \), calculate frequency for 630 nm: \( f = \frac{3 \times 10^8 \ \text{m/s}}{630 \times 10^{-9} \ \text{m}} = 4.76 \times 10^{14} \ \text{Hz} \). For 700 nm: \( f = \frac{3 \times 10^8 \ \text{m/s}}{700 \times 10^{-9} \ \text{m}} = 4.29 \times 10^{14} \ \text{Hz} \). The frequency range for red light is approximately 4.29 to 4.76 THz.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Wavelength
Wavelength is a fundamental concept when discussing the electromagnetic spectrum and light. It describes the distance between successive crests (the highest points) of a wave. In the context of light, the wavelength determines what color the light appears to our eyes. For example, red light has longer wavelengths compared to violet light.
- Wavelength is usually measured in meters ( ext{m}), but for light, we commonly use nanometers ( ext{nm}), where 1 ext{nm} equals 1 x 10^{-9} ext{m}.
- The visible light spectrum ranges approximately from 400 nm (violet) to 700 nm (red).
Frequency
Frequency refers to the number of wave cycles that pass a point in one second, expressed in hertz (Hz). In the context of light, frequency helps us determine the energy of light waves.
- Higher frequency corresponds to greater energy. Thus, violet light, which has a higher frequency, is more energetic than red light.
- The formula to find frequency is \( f = \frac{c}{\lambda} \), where \( f \) is frequency, \( c \) is the speed of light, and \( \lambda \) is wavelength.
Speed of Light
The speed of light is a constant that plays a crucial role in the study of physics and the understanding of the universe. It is \(3 \times 10^8 \text{ m/s}\) in a vacuum, and this constant speed is a key part of equations involving electromagnetic waves.
- The relationship between the speed of light, frequency, and wavelength is given by \( c = \lambda f \).
- This equation is essential for converting between wavelength and frequency, as done in the exercise to calculate the frequencies for red and violet light.
Visible Light
Visible light is a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is detectable by the human eye. This range encompasses a variety of colors from violet to red, each with its unique wavelength and frequency.
- Violet light has the shortest wavelength, around 400 nm, and highest frequency, while red light has the longest wavelength, around 700 nm, and lowest frequency.
- Light within this range can be split into various colors using prisms or diffraction grating, creating a spectrum like a rainbow.